Cigar labeling or banding mechanism.



F. 0. HAYES. CIGAR LABELING 0R BANDING MECHANISM.

ABPLIOATIOH FILED 00'1.13, 190 9.

Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

Y 6 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

0.. WASHINGTON, n. c,

P. G. HAYES.

CIGAR LABELING 0B BANDING MECHANISM.

APPLIOATION FILED 00-1213. 1909. 969, 1 O3. Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

5SHBBT8-BHBET 2.

NORM: PETERS ca, wasnuycrau, o c.

F. C. HAYES. CIGAR LABELING OR BANDING MECHANISM, APPLICATION FILED 0012-13. 1909. 969, 1 O3, Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

5 sums-sum a.

. m W n F. G. HAYES. CIGAR LABELING 0R BANDING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED 00T.13, 1909.

Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

ari-uentoz Tn: mmms PETERS ca, wAsumb'ruN. u. 1:,

w 7 M, 5 K dj 9 H u u H Mm M. 6 MW \F X QT 3 u m x A W K .0 E k 1 m .w t hm .m

0., wnsumaron, u. c.

F. G. HAYES.

CIGAR LABELING OR BANDING MECHANISM.

' APPLICATION FILED 001213, 1909. 969,103.

1/93 iIMcSoe:

THE NORRIS PETERS c UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FREDERICK C. HAYES, OF BATTLE CREEK, MICHIGAN.

CIGAR LABELING OR BANDING MECHANISM.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 30, 1910.

Original application filed June 21, 1909, Serial No. 503,502. Divided and this application filed October 13,

' 1909. Serial No. 522,454.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FREDERICK C. IIAYES, a citizen of the United States, residing at the city of Battle Creek, county of Calhoun, State of Michigan, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Cigar- Labeling 0r Banding Mechanism, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in label feeding mechanism.

My improved label feeding mechanism is especially designed and adapted by me for the feeding of labels in cigar labeling or banding machines such as are illustrated in my application for Letters Patent filed June 21, 1909, Serial No. 503,502, the present application being a division of that application. My improved label feeding mechanism is, however, adapted for use in various other relations.

The main objects of this invention are, first, to provide an improved label feeding mechanism which is especially adapted for the feeding of cigar labels to a label applying mechanism. Second, to provide an improved label feeding mechanism which is compact in structure and capable of rapid manipulation. Third, to provide an improved label feeding mechanism which is very effective for the purpose and not likely to get out of repair in use. Fourth, to provide an improved label feeding mechanism which may be adjusted to labels of different width. Fifth, to provide an improved label feeding mechanism which is simple and economical in structure and entirely automatic in its operation.

Further objects, and objects relating to structural details, will definitely appear from the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention by the devices and means described in the following specification.

The structure described constitutes one effective embodiment of my invention. Other embodiments would be readily devised by those skilled in the art. The invention is clearly defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure constituting an effective and preferred embodiment of the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, forming a part of this specification, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a structure embodying the features of my invention, the table or support being omitted, the actuating rod or pitman being broken away and the delivery chute being shown in vertical section. Fig. 2 is a plan view of the structure appearing in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a detail vertical section taken on a line corresponding to line 3-3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail vertical section through the label hopper and feeding mechanism, the parts being shown in full line. Fig. 5 is an enlarged detail vertical section through the label feeding mechanism taken on a line corresponding to line 5-5 of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is an enlarged detail vertical section taken on a line corresponding to line 66 of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is an enlarged detail side elevation of the label feeding foot showing the means for elevating it on its return movement, the movement of the parts being indicated by dotted lines. Fig. 8 is an enlarged horizontal section taken on a line corresponding to line 8-8 of Fig. 3 showing details of the label hopper. Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail horizontal section taken on a line cor responding to line 99 of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is an enlarged detail horizontal section taken on a line corresponding to that of Fig. 9, the parts being illustrated in another position. Fig. 11 is a detail vertical section taken on a line corresponding to line 1111 of Fig. 3 showing details of the label feed table. Fig. 12 is a detail of the tension device supporting the hopper bottom. Fig. 13 is an enlarged detail showing the construction of the tripping cam 111. Fig. 14: is a perspective View of the member 111.

.In the drawing, similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views, and the sectional views are taken looking in the direction of the little arrows at the ends of the section lines.

Referring to the drawing, the frame 1 on which the parts are mounted is preferably mounted on a table or support so that the operator can operate the machine when seated in front of the table or support.

I have, as previously stated, illustrated my improved label feeding mechanism in connection with the band applying mechanism of my application filed June 21, 1909, Serial No. 503,502, which band applying mechanism is described in detail and claims are made thereto in the said application. I, therefore, in this application, illustrate and describe the band applying mechanism only with such detail as will enable the understanding of the same.

The band applying mechanism, as illustrated, consists of a driving shaft 2 on which .is mounted the supporting spiders or heads 3, the heads being fixed to the shaft. Upon each of these spiders or heads are a series of radially projecting arms 4: and 5, the arms 4 being rigid and the arms 5 being pivoted at 6 to swing toward and from the arms 1. The corresponding arms 4 of each head 3 are connected by cross-pieces 7 while the corresponding arms 5 are connected by crosspieces 8, so that the spiders or heads 3 and their arms and cross-bars 7 form a rigid reel-like structure on which the arms 5 are pivotally mounted, as stated.

A series of belts or aprons 9 is provided for supporting and applying the labels to the cigars, the cigars, as 10, being indicated in position in the apparatus in Fig. l, in conventional form. These belts or aprons 9 are carried by the driving rollers 11 and the carrying rollers 12, the carrying rollers 12 being mounted at the outer ends of the arms 4 and 5 while the driving rollers 11 are arranged in suitable hearings on the heads 3. These carrying and driving rollers are arranged, when the arms 5 are in their extended position, in a triangular relation, as clearly appears in the drawing, to provide a horizontal portion for the apron upon which the cigars may be placed.

The driving shaft 13 of the driving rollers 11 is provided with pinions 1a, each of which is arranged in mesh with the gear 15, see Fig. 2. I preferably arrange adjacent to each driving roller a friction idler 16, see Fig. 3, arranged to hold the carrying belt 9 against the driving rollers so that they are more positively driven. One of each pair of supporting rollers 12 may be driven from the driving roller by a driving belt 17 if clesired so that the belts are relieved of strain and more positively driven. Each belt is also preferably provided with a pair of tension or compensating idlers 18 arranged to engage the belt from opposite sides. These rollers 18 are preferably supported as described in detail in my application for Letters Patent referred to, and are adapted to maintain the proper tension on the belt which is preferably formed of rubber or suitable elastic material.

The gear 15 is driven through the ratchet 19 and the pawl lever 20, the lever being provided with a dog or pawl 21 to engage the ratchet wheel. The ratchet wheel is mounted on a hub 22 of the gear 15 which is revolul'ily mounted on the shaft 2. The pawl lever 20 is connected by a connecting rod 23 to a suitable treadle or other actuating means not here illustrated, the apparatus being designed, while manually operated, to be operated through a treadle or other foot power mechanism. This lever 20 is also adapted to advance the label applying mechanism with a step by step movement, the label applying mechanism being advanced on the upstroke of the lever and the gear 15 being driven on its downstroke. To accomplish this the lever is provided with a pawl 24 adapted to engage the internally toothed ratchet wheel 25 which is secured to the shaft 2, and which is provided with teeth corresponding to the number of aprons on the label applying mechanism, the same being arranged so as to bring these several aprons in position to receive the labels. The wheel 25 also serves as a locking wheel, it being provided with holes 26 in its rim arranged to correspond with the number of the teeth, the holes being adapted to receive the locking dog 27. This dog is arranged to be disengaged by the pawl 24, the pawl first disengaging the dog and then turning the wheel, and through it actuating the label applying mechanism to bring the aprons successively into position with a step by step movement. When it is desired to release the label applying mechanism so that it may be freely turned to any position the locking dog 27 is held out of its engaging position by means of the lever 28. The pawl 24 is held yieldingly in its engaging position by means of the spring 29. The details of these parts are fully illustrated and described in my application referred to.

In operating the device the cigars are laid upon the uppermost apron, over which a label projects, as is indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 3. The pivoted arms 5 are swung toward their coacting arms so that the cigar is clamped by the apron as is indicated in Fig. 3. This can be quickly and easily done and the remaining operations in applying the bands are entirely automatic, that is, as the cigars are carried forward to the place of discharge they are rotated by the apron to properly wrap the labels thereon, and the labels are retained on the cigars as they are carried forward so that a suflicient amount of time elapses to permit the setting of the adhesive.

hen the arms 5 are swung rearwardly to clamp the cigars in the apron they are detained in their clamping position by means of the latches 30 which are pivoted on the fixed arms at 31, provided with notches 32, to engage the swinging arm. Springs 83 are provided for these latches.

At the desired point the cigars are ejected by tripping the latches 30, a trip 34 being arranged to be successively engaged by the projecting pins or trip 35 on the latches. A suitable chute as 36 is arranged to receive the cigars as they are ejected from their carriers.

The labels, as 36, are placed in a suitable hopper 37 at the rear of the mechanism described and below the feeding mechanism proper. The hopper 37 is adapted to be slipped into a suitable frame 38 provided therefor. The hopper 37 is preferably made up of a pair of side walls 89 and an end wall 40, which serves to connect the side walls.

To adapt the hopper for labels of differ ent widths, I preferably provide the same with adjustable vertically-arranged side members 41, which are supported in the guides 42 on the side walls by means of the screws 43, so that the hopper can be adjusted to the labels to prevent their becoming displaced laterally therein. The details of this adjustable feature are illustrated in Fig. 14.

The hopper is provided with a false bottom 44 on which the labels rest, the bottom being provided with cross pieces 45, one of which is adapted to engage the rests 46 at the forward end of the hopper. This false bottom is provided for supporting the labels when the hopper is removed from the frame,

and is provided with cross pieces 45, one of which is adapted to engage the rest 46 at the forward end of the hopper and the other to rest on the pivot rods 47. \Vhen in position in the frame, the false bottom 44 is carried by the bottom 48, which is mounted on the upper end of the vertically adjustable bottom supports 49. These supports are arranged through suitable guide bearings 50 to be vertically adjusted and thus feed the labels upward in the hopper. These supports are held yieldingly upward by means of the drum 51 and spring 52, wound thereon, the shaft 53 of the drum being connected through the cord 54 to the cross piece 55 at the lower ends of the supports. This cross piece is pivoted at 56 to one of the supports, and has a slip connection by means of the slot 57 and the pin 58, with the other support, so that a tilting of the bottom is permitted, the bottom being pivoted on one support at 59, the other support being provided with a supporting roller 60, on which the bearing block 61 of the bottom rests. This permits the adjustment of the bottom to any variation in thickness of the labels, as, when the adhesive is applied to the labels before they are placed in the hopper, the end having the adhesive thereon will be thicker than that of the other end, and this connection permits of a complete adjustment and prevents binding of the parts.

The drum 51 is provided with a suitable pawl and ratchet wheel 62 and 63, respectively, to permit the winding of the spring.

i l i l The details of this drum and the bottom supports are illustrated in Figs. 3, 4, and 12. The labels are advanced one by one to the label applying mechanism, and to properly time the label feeding carriage 64 it is operatively connected to the label applying mechanism. The connections preferably consist of the lever 65 which is pivoted on the frame 1 at 66. The lever 65 is carried by the link 67 to the arm 68 on the actuating lever 20 and by the link 69 to the arm 70 on the carriage. The lever 65 is provided with arms 71 and 72 to which the links 67 and 69 are respectively connected.

A feed table 73 is provided for the labels, the table extending from the hopper to the label applying mechanism. This table is preferably adjustably supported by means of the screw 74, which is arranged through the hopper frame to engage a yoke-like arm 75 on the downwardly projecting portion 76 of the table, which downwardly projecting portion forms the front of the hopper proper.

By connecting the carriage as described, thev feeding of the labels is properly timed to the movements of the wrapping or band applying mechanism. On the under side of the carriage is a label engaging foot 77 which engages the labels and feeds them forwardly on the table 73, as the carriage is advanced. This table is preferably provided With a longitudinal groove 78, see Fig. 11, to afford the foot a more secure grip upon the label. The foot is also preferably provided with a rubber facing 79 to make its hold upon the labels more secure. The foot 77 is carried by an arm 80, which is pivoted at 81 on the hanger 82. The foot 77 is preferably adjustably mounted on the arm 80, which has a slot 83 for the securing screws 84. The hanger 82 is slotted at its lower end to receive the arm 80, the inner end 85 of the slot 86 serving as a stop to limit the downward drop of the foot.

The hanger 82 is preferably pivoted at 87 and provided with an arm 88, which projects forwardly over the arm 80. On this arm 88 is a spring 89 which engages the arm holding it yieldingly downwardly and in engagement with the stop 85. The foot is adjusted to limit its downward movement by adjusting the hanger and this is preferably accomplished through the screw 90, which is arranged through the carriage to engage the arm 88. A pin 91, arranged transversely through the screw, prevents its longitudinal movement.

The carriage is arranged to reciprocate in ways 92. In operation the foot 77, engaging the rear end of the label, carries its rear end forward, while its forward end is still engaged by the retaining clamps 93, causing onto the way or table 73 and is carried for wardly thereon by the foot until it is projected over one of the belts or wrapping aprons 9 in position to receive a cigar. As the foot 77 reaches the end of its forward movement on the table, the label is grasped or clamped by the clamps 94, which are arranged in pairs to swing inwardly and downwardly upon the delivery table.

The return ways 95 are provided for the foot 77, and these are preferably mounted upon or formed integrally with the clamps 94, the forward ends of the ways being inclined downwardly to engage the transversely arranged pin 96 on the foot to lift the foot from the table on the rearward movement of the carriage. This rearward movement of the carriage actuates the moistening device, which preferably consists of a receptacle 9'7, which is mounted on the rear end of the conduit 98, the conduit being pivoted at 99 on the upwardly projecting arm 100 of the frame.

On the forward end of the conduit 98 is a brush or applicator 101 which is brought into contact with the gummed portion of the label on the return stroke of the feed carriage. A valve 102, shown only in conventional form, is provided for regulating the feed of the moistening device. The moistening device is actuated by an upwardly projecting arm 103 on the carriage, which arm is provided with a laterally projecting pin 104 arranged to engage the cam-like member 105 coacting on the rearend of the conduit 98. This rocks the conduit and brings the applicator 101 into contact with the label. The actuating member 105 is provided with a spring portion 105 at its forward end to permit the trip pin on the arm 103 to move forwardly without actuating the applicator.

As the lab-e1 engaging foot moves the rear end of the top label forward, as illustrated in Fig. 4, the rear ends of the remaining labels are engaged by the clamp 106, which is pivoted at 107 at the rear end of the hopper frame. This clamp is held yieldingly in its engaging position by means of the coiled spring 108 on the pivot 107, one end of the spring being secured to the brackets 109 on the frame by which the clamp is carried, and the other to the clamp.

On the rear end of the clamp is an upwardly projecting arm 110, which is, on the rearward movement of the carriage, engaged by the releasing or tripping cam member 111 on the carriage, and guided thereby onto the block 112 by which the clamp is held in its elevated or disengaged position, as shown in Fig. 1, during the first part of the movement of the carriage. As the carriage moves forwardly, the rear end of the top label having been advanced, as shown in Fig. 4, the arm 110 passes from the member 112 and rides over the member 111. This clamp is shown in its disengaged position in Figs. 1 and 3, and in its engaged position in Figs. 4 and 18, where the carriage has been moved forwardly suflicient to move the member 112 out of engagementswith the clamping arm.

Within the hopper I provide side clamps 114 adapted to engage the edges of the upper labels. These clamps 114 are arranged in pairs and are mounted on the pivot rods 47 at the lower, portion of the hopper, so that the clamps project upwardly at the sides of the labels. These clamps are held yieldingly in their engaging position by means of the coiled springs 116, which are arranged within the hopper so that they engage the cross pieces 117, by which the clamps 114 are connected, the other ends of the springs engaging the walls of the hopper,see Fig. 5. The rear clamp 106 is also engaged prior to disengagement of the forward clamps 93, so that the labels are securely retained in position at all times. These clamps 114 are actuated by the levers 118, which are arranged one on each side of the hopper. These levers are mounted on the pivot rods 119 and are connected to actuate the clamps 114 through the screws 120, which are adjustably arranged in the levers to engage the cross pieces, connecting the clamping arms through holes 121 in the hopper frame 37.

The levers are actuated by springs 122, one end of which is arranged to engage the pins 128 on the levers and the other engaging the sides of the hopper frame. See Fig. 1.

The levers 118 are provided with up wardly projecting pin-like engaging members 124, which are engaged by a pair of guide ways 125 on the under side of the carriage. These ways are provided with cam portions 126 at their forward ends, which permit the arms or levers 118 to swing outwardly and actuate the clamps 114 during the passage of the engaging foot over the labels, thus supporting the labels so that the top label slips freely across the same, preventing the sagging or forming of pockets in the labels as the engaging foot is removing the upper one.

At the rear ends of the cams 126 are springs 12'? which prevent the passing of the engaging members 124 into the cams on the rearward movement of the carriage and at its forward end are guide springs 128, which cause the engaging members to pass into the cams, see Figs. 9 and 10.

Thus the parts are actuated, and their actuation properly timed relative to the movement of the label engaging foot 77.

To cause the labels to take the position shown in Fig. 4, when the rear end is en gaged by the shoe 77, I clamp their front are, in turn, mounted on the pivot rods 119,

the arms being fixed to the pivot rods by means of the set screws 132, see Figs. 1 and 13.

To actuate the arms 131, the pivot rods 119 are provided with arms 133 having engaging members 134: at their upper ends,

' which are adapted to engage the guide ways 125 so that these clamps are also controlled by the movement of the carriage, and the movement thereby properly timed relativeto the other parts.

By this means, the labels are effectively supported so that a single label is fed at each stroke of the carriage and without liability of the apparatus being clogged or the labels being torn or distorted thereby. The clamps 91 are mounted on pivots 135 carried by the supports 136 and 137, respectively. A spring 138 is provided for each clamp, the spring being secured to the clamps 94: at one end and to the arms of the clamps 93, the spring preferably forming a pivot 139 for connecting the links 130 to such clamps, so that, as these clamps 93 are released, the clamps 91 are also released and permitted to swing up to permit the feeding of the next label. As previously stated, the return ways 95, for the label engaging foot, are carried by these clamps, thus securing a proper timing and actuation of the feeding mechanism and clamps.

My improved label feeding mechanism is very accurate, that is, it effectively feeds a label at each stroke or movement thereof, and does this without injury to the labels. The apparatus illustrated is adapted for the feeding of the gummed labels, that is, the applicator illustrated is designed for the application of moisture to the gummed portion of the label. The apparatus could, however, be readily adapted to the feeding of adhesive material, so that ungummecl labels could readily be used.

hile the feeding mechanism is particularly adapted and designed by me for use in connection with my improved band applying mechanism, it is obvious that it could be used with various forms of band applying mechanism.

I have illustrated and described my improved labeling machine substantially in the form in which I have embodied the same in practice. I am, however, aware that it is capable of being very greatly varied in structural details without departing from my invention. These variations are, however, so numerous that I do not attempt to illustrate or describe them in detail therein,

i but I wish to be understood as claiming my invention in detail in the form illustrated, as well as broadly.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; clamps arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage, said members being arranged so that the clamps for the front ends of the labels are in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps, the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamps; a pair of delivery clamps arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said carriage, said delivery clamps being provided with return ways for said label engaging foot.

2. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; a label engaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; clamps arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps 'is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage, said members being arranged so that the clamps for the front ends of the labels are in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps, the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamps.

3. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; clamps arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions;

clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage said members being arranged so that the clamps for the front ends of the labels are in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps, the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the d sengaging of the said front clamps; a pair ot delivery clamps arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said carriage, said delivery clamps belng provided with return ways for said label engaging foot.

l. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaglng foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; clamps arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage said members being arranged so that the clamps for the front end of the labels are in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps, the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamp.

5. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage; a pair of delivery clamps arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said carriage, said delivery clamps being provided with return ways for said label engaging foot.

6. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage.

7. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged. to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage; a pair of delivery clamps arranged above said feed table; and

actuating connections therefor to said carriage, said delivery clamps being provided with return ways for said label engaging foot.

8. The combination with the label hopper having an adjustable bottom provided with means for holding the same yieldingly upward; a feedtable; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; springs for holding said clamps in their engaging positions; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage.

9. The combination with the label hopper; of a feed table; a feed carriage; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels;

clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage, said members being arranged so that the clamp for the front end of the label is in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamp, the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamp; a delivery clamp arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said carriage.

10. The combination with the label hopper; of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage, said members being arranged so that the clamp for the front end of the label is in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamp; a delivery clamp arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said carriage.

11. The combination with the label hopper,-of a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage, said members being arranged so that the clamp for the front end of the label is in engage ment therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamp.

12. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage, said members being arranged so that the clamp for the front end of the label is in engagement therewith during the initial movement of the carriage whereby the central portions of the labels are looped upwardly until the releasing of the front clamps the said rear clamp being engaged prior to the disengaging of the said front clamp.

13. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage; a delivery clamp arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said .carriage.

14. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage; a delivery clamp arranged above said feed table; and actuating connections therefor to said carriage.

15. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps arranged in said hopper to engage the edges of the labels; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage.

16. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; a clamp adapted to engage the rear ends of the labels; a clamp arranged to engage the forward ends of the labels; and clamp disengaging members on said carriage whereby the engaging and disengaging of the clamps is timed and controlled by the movement of the carriage.

17. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; label clamps; and connections whereby said clamps are controlled by said carriage said clamps being arranged so that the front end of the label is secured during the initial movement of the carriage, whereby the central portion of the label is looped upwardly prior to the releasing of the front end of the label where by, when released, it projects its forward end upon the feed table.

18. The combination with the label hopper of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label-engaging foot carried by said carriage; label clamps for said hopper and feed table; and connections whereby said clamps are controlled by said carriage.

19. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; clamps adapted to retain said labels in said hopper; a pair of delivery clamps pivoted at the sides of the table and adapted to swing inwardly and downwardly upon the same, said delivery clamps being provided with return ways for said label-engaging foot; and connections whereby said clamps are controlled by said carriage.

20. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; a labelengaging foot carried by said carriage; a pair of delivery clamps pivoted at the sides of said table and adapted to swing inwardly and downwardly upon the same, said delivery clamps being provided with return ways for said label-engaging foot; and connections whereby said clamps are controlled by said carriage.

21. The combination with the label hop per, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; label delivery clamps for said hopper and feed table; and connections whereby said clamps are controlled by said carriage.

The combination with the label hopper, of a feed carriage; edge clamps for said labels pivotally mounted in said hopper, said edge clamps being arranged in oppositely-disposed pairs; springs for holding said clamps in their disengaging positions; pivoted levers arranged on the outside of said hopper and having screws at one end arranged to engage said clamps; springs for actuating said levers to engage said clamps; and lever engaging members on said carriage, whereby the engagement of said clamps is timed, said lever engaging members being adapted to hold said clamps out of engagement during the full return movement of the carriage and to permit their engagement during the first portion of the feed movement thereof.

The combination with the label hopper, of a feed carriage; edge clamps for said labels pivotally mounted in said hopper; said edge clamps being arranged in oppositelylisposed pairs; pivoted levers arranged on the outside of said hopper and having screws at one end arranged to engage said clamps; and'lever engaging members on said carriage, whereby the engagement of said clamps is timed, said lever engaging members being adapted to hold said clamps out of engagement during the full return movement of the carriage and to permit their engagement during the first portion of the feed movement thereof.

2%. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed carriage; edge clamps for said labels pivotally mounted in said hopper; springs for holdin said clamps in their disengaging positions; pivoted levers arranged on the outside of said hopper and arranged to engage said clamps; springs for actuating said levers to engage said clamps; and lever engaging members on said carriage, whereby the engagement of said clamps is timed, said lever engaging members being adapted to hold said clamps out of engagement during the full return movement of the carriage and to permit their engagement during the first portion of the feed movement thereof.

25. The combination with the label hopper, of a feed carriage; edge clamps for said labels pivotally mounted in said hopper; pivoted levers arranged on the outside of said hopper and arranged to engage said clamps; and lever engaging members on said carriage whereby the engagement of said clamps is timed, said lever engaging members being adapted to hold said clamps out of engagement during the full return movement of the carr age and to permit their engagement during the first portion of the feed movement thereof.

26. The combination with a label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; a label engaging foot; an arm on which said foot is adjustably mounted; a pivotally supported hanger on which said arm is pivotally mounted, said hanger being provided with a stop for limiting the downward swing of said foot carrying arm and with an arm projecting over said foot carrying arm; an adjusting screw for said arm; and a spring on said hanger arm adapted to engage the said foot carrying arm.

27. The combination with a label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label engaging foot; an adjustable hanger on which said foot is pivotally mounted, said hanger being provided with a stop for limiting the lmvnward swing of said foot; means for adjusting said hanger; and a pressure spring for said foot.

28. The combination with a label hopper, of a feed table; a feed carriage; means for reciprocating said carriage over said hopper and feed table; a label engaging foot; an adjustable hanger on which said foot is pivotally mounted, said hanger being provided with a stop for limiting the downward swing of said foot; and means for adjusting said hanger.

29. The combination with a label hopper, of a false bottom therefor; rests for said false bottom; an adjustable main bottom adapted to engage said false bottom; a pair of vertically-adjustable supports therefor to one of which said main bottom is pivotally mounted, the other being provided with a supporting roller; a cross piece pivotally connected to said supports, the connection to one of said supports being a pin and slot connection; and a spring for holding said supports yieldingly upward connected to said cross piece.

30. The combination with a label hopper, of an adjustable bottom; a pair of Vertically-adjustable supports therefor to one of which said bottom is pivotally mounted, the other being provided With a supporting roller; a cross piece pivotally connected to said supports, the connection to one of said supports being a pin and slot connection; and a spring for holding said supports yieldingly upward connected to said cross iece.

p 31. The combination with the frame, of a label hopper removably supported therein; a false bottom for said hopper; rests for said false bottom; an adjustable main bottom adapted to engage said false bottom when said hopper is in position in said frame; a pair of vertically-adjustable supports therefor; and a spring for holding said supports yieldingly upward.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal in the presence of two witnesses.

FREDERICK C. HAYES. [L. s]

WVitnesses A. F. KINGSLEY, XV. D. KLINE. 

